I started this blog when I began my journey with triple negative breast cancer in 2008. It was a way to keep my family and friends updated on my journey. The title was taken from my Mother's favorite advice. In her opinion - adding a little lipstick was the answer to most of life's struggles.

Monday, January 23, 2012

We finally broke down and bought a wii. The last video system we owned was in the early 90s and I think it was Sega. We learned pretty quickly when Josh was little that he did not need video games, he needed to be outside burning off energy. I guess as the kids got older we all just stayed too busy for video games. So...Bryan and I were walking through Target and saw the wii on sale after the holidays and decided to make the leap and get one. Wow, have video games changed in the last 20 years - they are so interactive now!

I'll spare you photos of me doing Zumba with the wii, but here's Emri playing our "Abba - Just Dance" game.

Yes, I know - exercise should be my newest addiction, but sadly I have fallen for pinterest instead. I heard someone say Pinterest is for women, like Fantasy Football is for guys, and I have to agree. I have found all kinds of great gift ideas, recipes, fashion and home ideas. My first pinterest inspired project was this chalkboard picture for Jenni and Erin's place.

Monday, January 2, 2012

I remember Mom telling me how her college girls taught me to say Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious when I was 2 years old. She said I was so proud of myself, especially since I couldn't say many other things. And well, with the addition of the lipstick - I think this necklace is practically perfect in every way!

Routine exercise, cardio and strength training, my oncologist wants 5-6 days a week out of me. I didn't do so well in 2011 on this, but I am determined to do better in 2012. These bones need some jarring to combat this gift of osteoporosis that chemo gave me.

Spend more time, make more memories with family and friends.

Explore at least three new places in 2012- visit, shop and eat like the locals!

This should get me started, and then I can formulate S.M.A.R.T. goals (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, Timely) from my ideas.

On New Years Day we had a lunch birthday celebration for Chassi and Chadd. Chassi turned 28 on the 1st, and Chadd will be 40 on January 3rd. Lisa arranged for Chadd's parents, niece and nephew to come from Missouri to surprise him.

Don, Sue, Caroline and Griffin - thank you for spending time with us and sharing Chadd with our family.

What a great day! We are thankful that Chadd and Chassi jumped right in to join our crazy bunch!

This past year I have been determined to get rid of clutter, and only bring things in to my life that bring me joy, or serve a purpose. I have enjoyed making gifts for friends that I hope will make them smile and I hope to do much more of that in 2012. and a few more - I love my Thelma shirt - the quote on it is one of my favorites and it makes me smile when I wear it.

Josh, Chassi and the kids and Jenni spent the night on Christmas eve and we made cookies (my Granny's recipe) and tracked Santa on Norad. Tracking Santa's trip on norad was quite a geography lesson. They do a great job of telling you about each area and we had our globe by the computer so we could see right where he was, in relation to Nashville. Anna Belle is right on the verge of not believing in Santa anymore. We all talked about how magical Christmas is when you still believe. I read a great explanation of Santa from a mom to her daughter recently, and I'll share it here:

Dear Lucy,

Thank you for your letter. You asked a very good question: “Are you Santa?”

I know you’ve wanted the answer to this question for a long time, and I’ve had to give it careful thought to know just what to say.

The answer is no. I am not Santa. There is no one Santa.

I am the person who fills your stockings with presents, though. I also choose and wrap the presents under the tree, the same way my mom did for me, and the same way her mom did for her. (And yes, Daddy helps, too.)

I imagine you will someday do this for your children, and I know you will love seeing them run down the stairs on Christmas morning. You will love seeing them sit under the tree, their small faces lit with Christmas lights.

This won’t make you Santa, though.

Santa is bigger than any person, and his work has gone on longer than any of us have lived. What he does is simple, but it is powerful. He teaches children how to have belief in something they can’t see or touch.It’s a big job, and it’s an important one. Throughout your life, you will need this capacity to believe: in yourself, in your friends, in your talents and in your family. You’ll also need to believe in things you can’t measure or even hold in your hand. Here, I am talking about love, that great power that will light your life from the inside out, even during its darkest, coldest moments.Santa is a teacher, and I have been his student, and now you know the secret of how he gets down all those chimneys on Christmas Eve: he has help from all the people whose hearts he’s filled with joy.With full hearts, people like Daddy and me take our turns helping Santa do a job that would otherwise be impossible.So, no. I am not Santa. Santa is love and magic and hope and happiness. I’m on his team, and now you are, too.I love you and I always will.

Our good friends, Sean and Nikki are moving back to Michigan. We had a going away/holiday party on the 23rd and a fabulous time was had by all, although I seem to only have photos of the kiddos having fun.

I had my yearly visit with Dr. Wagstrom (my plastic surgeon) and it went very well. My implants are holding steady and staying soft, due to the daily vitamin E dosages. This visit is always pleasant and they have such a calming and beautiful office. From the day I met her, I knew she was the plastic surgeon for me. I had no problems during or after surgery and I know the doctors and nurses had a lot to do with that.If you ever need a plastic surgeon - call Dr. Wagstrom. I love everyone in her office and she did a great job for me!

I'm proud to be an American,
where at least I know I'm free.
And I wont forget the men who died,
who gave that right to me.

And I gladly stand up,
next to you and defend her still today.
‘Cause there ain't no doubt I love this land,
God bless the USA.

I am proud to be an American. I celebrate the right to freedom of speech. I also celebrate the right I have to listen, or not listen to people practice their freedom of speech. I personally find it offensive when people participate in name-calling and trashing the leaders of our nation. I think people can disagree without stooping to hateful statements. I didn't agree with it when the Republicans were in office, and I don't agree with it now. I think if we want our children to respect their parents, teachers and public officials we have to show them how to disagree with respect for the positions these people hold.

I plan to research, watch the debates and make my own personal voting decision for the upcoming election. My dream and prayer, is that whoever is in office will be supported by the majority and that both parties will work together for the best interest of our country. ﻿

About Me

I've been married to Bryan since June 30th, 1983 and we have two wonderful children Josh (31) and Jenni (26). Josh has been married to Chassi for 13yrs and they have blessed us with three precious, energetic girls (Anna Belle, Morgan and Emri).